How to throw a hook

Tuesday

Jan 26, 2010 at 12:01 AMJan 26, 2010 at 12:15 PM

Check out a three-step breakdown on how to throw a hook at the bowling alley.

Staff reports

A hook is used as a strike ball, which takes place during the first shot attempt of a frame. The hook ball carries pins better than a straight ball because it has a steeper angle of attack into the pocket and it makes pins tilt and spin more.

Approach
Start by holding the ball close to the front of your torso. Take four to six steps toward the foul line while creating a back swing to generate speed on the ball. The bigger the swing, the more speed created.

Delivery
As the ball reaches near the midway point of the swing, begin turning the hand and forearm (not wrist) to the outside of the ball. Take a slide step (right-handed bowlers slide left foot to the left) before releasing. Deliver the ball to the lane while aiming at the arrows and dots (depending on which pins are targeted).

Follow through
After releasing the ball, your throwing hand should follow through as if reaching to shake an invisible hand. More ball speed makes for better pin action.

Suburban Life Publications

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